Direct numerical simulation of pattern formation in subaqueous sediment

We present results of direct numerical simulation of incompressible fluid flow over a thick bed of mobile, spherically-shaped particles. The algorithm is based upon the immersed boundary technique for fluid-solid coupling and uses a soft-sphere model for the solid-solid contact. Two parameter points in the laminar flow regime are chosen, leading to the emergence of sediment patterns classified as `small dunes', while one case under turbulent flow conditions leads to `vortex dunes' with significant flow separation on the lee side. Wavelength, amplitude and propagation speed of the patterns extracted from the spanwise-averaged fluid-bed interface are found to be consistent with available experimental data. The particle transport rates are well represented by available empirical models for flow over a plane sediment bed in both the laminar and the turbulent regimes.

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